Dolphins to get rookie OL Kadyn Proctor back from concussion
Kadyn Proctor cleared concussion protocol and will start at left guard for the Dolphins on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
Why Dolphins to get rookie OL Kadyn Proctor back from concussion is trending
Dolphins to get rookie OL Kadyn Proctor back from concussion is the news out of Miami Gardens this week, and it means the rookie left guard is set to start Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Coach Jeff Hafley told reporters that Proctor cleared the NFL's return to participation protocol on Friday after showing concussion symptoms following Miami's Week 7 win over the New York Jets.
Proctor missed the Dolphins' Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots while working through the protocol. He returned to the practice field on Wednesday and was a full participant in every practice the team held this week before Hafley cleared him on Friday. He is expected to retake his starting spot at left guard on Sunday.
What his absence did to the run game
Without Proctor in the lineup last week, Miami's run game slowed down against a stout New England defense. The Dolphins averaged a season-low 1.74 yards before contact per rush attempt against the Patriots, down from 3.09 yards before contact over their six previous games with Proctor in the lineup. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik called it probably the first game all season where the blocking held the Dolphins back from better production on the ground.
Slowik credited fill-in starter Jarrett Kingston for bouncing back after a slow start to that game. Running back Ollie Gordon II echoed that praise for Kingston but said the offense will get back to being themselves with Proctor back in the lineup.
A rookie built to move defenders
Proctor was the 13th overall pick in this year's draft, the first player taken under first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. At 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, he played left tackle at Alabama, but Miami has lined him up exclusively at left guard this season, next to 6-foot-7, 325-pound left tackle Patrick Paul.
Slowik described Proctor as a player who displaces defensive tackles and caps off blocks well down the field, saying he gives the offense a boost just by being on the field. The pairing with Paul has produced results. Miami averages 6.2 yards per rush on inside runs toward the left side of the field, including 3.87 yards before first contact, numbers that rank third-most and second-most in the NFL. The Dolphins also lead the league with 23% of their carries to that side going for 10 or more yards.
What's next for Miami
The Dolphins host the Lions on Sunday with Proctor back at left guard after clearing the concussion protocol this week. His return gives Miami its full starting offensive line for the first time since the Week 7 win over the Jets, and the coaching staff expects the run game to look more like it did before his absence.
Facts per ESPN. Opinion is the taproom's.